MAY 1977: Get Shown The Light Box

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February 1, 2017 - 2:34pm

1,389 replies

heatherlew

Joined:
October 12, 2016

CLICK HERE FOR THE
ALL MUSIC EDITION
SOLD OUT

What's Inside:

Four Complete Shows on 11 discs
• 5/5/77 Veterans Memorial Coliseum: New Haven, CT
• 5/7/77 Boston Garden: Boston, MA
• 5/8/77 Barton Hall, Cornell University: Ithaca, NY
• 5/9/77 Buffalo Memorial Auditorium: Buffalo, NY
• Sourced from the Betty Boards, transfered by Plangent Processes
• Mastered in HDCD by Jeffrey Norman
• Artwork by Grammy-winning graphic artist Masaki Koike
• The unreleased book Cornell ‘77: The Music, The Myth And The Magnificence Of The Grateful Dead’s Concert At Barton Hall by Peter Conners, published by Cornell University Press
• In-depth essay by noted Dead scholar Nicholas Meriwether
• Producer's Note by David Lemieux
• Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 15,000
• Release Date: May 5, 2017

WHAT DEAD HEADS HAVE BEEN SAYING ABOUT...

NEW HAVEN 5/5/77
"Here is a prime example of the saying ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts’ … It’s called synergy and the Dead wrote the book on it.”

BOSTON 5/7/77
“The music they laid down brought me places I had not been before.”

CORNELL 5/8/77
“...the single best rock performance anywhere, anytime, by anyone.”

“There was just some kind of magical connection this night between the band members and the band and the audience - some texture, or some type of cosmic or celestial force is in the room.”

"This show is, was, and always will be Mecca.”

BUFFALO 5/9/77
"...an awesome display of the Dead’s captivating power"

If you've been following this site for quite some time, then you will know we are often flush with hyperbole when it comes to our releases. We can't help it, really - for we, like you, are Grateful Dead fans above all else. Just like you, we've spent countless hours debating the merits of show over show, year over year. We've kept a watchful eye on your wish-lists and carefully considered how to make - excuse the cliché - your dreams come true. And once we've made our commitments, we are steadfast in our determination to conjure up those dreams fully-formed and nearly perfect. Sometimes these heights cannot be reached without physical and cosmic elements aligning, and that, dear friends, is why it has taken so long for us to bring you THE ONE and the epic shows that surrounded it. No need for even the slightest embellishment here, 5/8/77 Barton Hall, Cornell University: Ithaca, NY, has for decades, been THE resounding favorite; you've said it yourselves - the "holy grail" of Grateful Dead shows. Thanks to the passion and perseverance of Dead Heads like you, we are beyond pleased to finally be able to present this show and its brethren, the fabled four of Spring '77, in sonically pristine condition.

Limited to 15,000 individually numbered copies, MAY 1977: GET SHOWN THE LIGHT is a collection of what is unanimously believed to be the most sought-after previously unreleased complete shows the Grateful Dead ever played. Collected, traded, and debated for decades, "the beloved Golden Trinity" of Boston, Ithaca, and Buffalo, along with their New Haven prelude, have inspired fans to "get on the bus," converted critics, and even garnered national attention (Cornell was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry). But until now, you've never really heard them quite like this!

The Dead is in the details... how serendipitous is it that the notorious Betty Boards were returned to the archive just in time for the 40th anniversaries of these shows? Lovingly sourced from these well-reputed recordings, we invite you to experience four utopian shows just like they happened, to "be inside the music" as engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson intended. Whether you listen to each night on its own or imbibe the whole lot at once, we suspect you'll hear why every note mattered. Much like we were, you will be hard-pressed to determine which of these fine documents - will it be the understated but nuanced New Haven, Boston's festive fantasy vibes, the monumental catharsis of Ithaca, or Buffalo’s dreamy exuberance - is truly "the best." Does it really matter? We think not.

Due May 5th, we anticipate that this revelatory boxed set will sell out. Your best bet is to pre-order it now, then sit back, relax, and enjoy all the exclusive content we'll be rolling out over the next few weeks.

Looking for something a little more byte-sized? The collection will also be available for HD digital download in FLAC and ALAC, exclusively at dead.net, on release day.

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February 18, 2017 - 8:06am

#781

alvarhanso

Joined:
January 16, 2014

Scarlet> Fire

Was listening to the digital single at work a few times yesterday, and it brought smiles to my face for 25 minutes at a time. The only sad part is now having to wait to listen to the rest. I cannot wait to be siting there reading the Cornell book as New Haven, Boston, Cornell, and Buffalo are screaming out of my speakers. If Dave's 23 is an 80s show, that's cool. If 24 is another one, cool beans, just make sure Althea is on at least one, and Foolish Heart and Blow Away make one, too. The riches we're going to be receiving for years to come will definitely be worth it. Though considering I'm thinking about adding the vinyl as well, I'm not sure my bank account is as happy as I am...
February 18, 2017 - 8:02am

#782

KeithFan2112

Joined:
August 6, 2014

May 1977 TOO (The Old One)

I'd mentioned that I began listening to this last week in order. I've had a difficult time getting long sessions in with it, but I have been listening to it and I'm up to Chicago night two. I've always liked this Scarlet Begonias / Fire On The Mountain, despite two flaws that only a Deadhead would pick up on: the short performance of Scarlet, and a conspicuous transition into Fire On The Mountain. Otherwise, it's top 5 material in my head. Jerry's guitar is super-prominent, like DP 29, Billy is a driving force that rocks up the tempo (I believe it's Billy), and Donna puts forth some of her best kitty-cat cooing on record - so beautiful. Vocals are perfect, thanks Jerry, guitar soloing is inventive and melodic, piano is piano-ing just right (and of note is the fact that we're hitting that spot in May where Keith stops with the Polymoog). It's in the band's legendary history that he didn't like playing it, and I agree - piano better.
February 18, 2017 - 7:24am

#783

chumdead

Joined:
August 25, 2008

Cornell 5/8/77 (3cd)

After that proverbial turd in the punch-bowl thursday,i pre-ordered from that place named after a famous river.I can only be so loyal.Thanx to everyone that helped me with the down-load yesterday.Don't forget it's yoko ono's birthday today.Happy Listening!
February 18, 2017 - 7:05am

#784

TwistedCrank

Joined:
September 10, 2007

Cornell cut into Promised Land

I hope the start of the Cornell show on the CDs includes the missing start. That's they way that show has always started and always will start. Just sayin.
February 18, 2017 - 7:03am

#785

Syracuse78

Joined:
July 15, 2010

5/8/77 Limited?

I've read a few comments about frantic fans having trouble buying the Cornell show. I know the web site had its customary issues when they announced these releases (have they EVER handled volume well????), but I was under the impression that Cornell would always be available individually and just the box and the vinyl were limited. True?
February 18, 2017 - 6:49am

#786

Mr. Jack Straw

Joined:
August 29, 2013

LoveJerry

I'm with you on the boxes. Now that they're available, Berkeley '72, Boston '76, and Winterland '77 should take precedence before anything else (except Ark '69).
February 18, 2017 - 6:45am

#787

Mr. Jack Straw

Joined:
August 29, 2013

I wonder

I wonder if the Thirty Trips set accelerated the urgency to obtain these Betty reels. While there are certainly some all-time great releases in that box (11/10/67, 2/22/69, 9/24/72, 9/18/74, 9/28/75, 10/27/79, 9/18/87, 9/10/91), there were so many SQ issues (early eighties) or cuts/splices that needed to be corrected (11/14/73, 4/15/70, 5/16/81). Also, some of the years had some puzzling choices that could have been corrected by the presence of the Bettys. I know some may like Cobo '76, but what if 6/11, 6/14, or 6/29 had been there in it's place? 4/25/77 is likewise a great show, but now Swing '77, 10/2 and 10/29 are available! 3/18/71 over Felt, Ann Arbor or Capitol Theater '71? I dunno. 11/14/73 is a candidate for best show in the set, but it contains so many patches, that I wonder if TBTB would have selected 3/16, 3/24, 4/2, 5/26, or 6/22 if they had the option. It's a moot point now, and we can look forward to a stacked Dave's series over the next 5 years, in addition to a Berkeley '72 and Capitol '71 box.
February 18, 2017 - 6:41am

#788

LoveJerry

Joined:
March 19, 2015

Re: 80s & 90s

I think single 1 show CD release is the best way to go for 80s & 90s. That way Dave's Picks doesn't get watered down with mediocre poor sounding shows like Colorado, but the 80s fans still get their taste. Pretty safe to assume if the DaP series only had 2 shows from the 60s & 70s, it would have died out after season 2. I wouldn't want to see another box set from the 80s or 90s at all (I already spent $750 to get 17 shows that sit on my shelf next to the 13 good ones, with the exception of 1979 and few Feel Like A Strangers). As far as im concerned, Rhino already has my contribution to that period. If it HAS to happen (80s /90s box), I hope it's not until well after the bulk of '71 - '76 is released, as well as 1978 (up though April). Otherwise, it's just wasted time for me. But I doubt we'll see a box set from those years anyway, based on the length of time it took Spring '90 TOO, and Formerly Warlocks to sell out (and perhaps July 1978). Rhinos vault release marketing program is all about the quick flip. Anything that takes more than a year is a brick in the road to no more vault releases, at least on CD.
February 18, 2017 - 6:36am

#789

Amy from New York

Joined:
October 1, 2016

1977

I was a high school kid when I scored a copy of Cornell University 77 --thanks to really cool people out there in the tape trading community. I hit my first show in 81 and by then this was already four years old, but old enough for me to really have an appreciation for this particular year. So when this was announced I pounced on it. I got all jammed up in the Barton Hall Website Order Release Debacle of 2017, but luckily was able to get my order through. So I am going to be a happy head in May when this and the Felt Forum show arrive. Oh and I just dug up my original copy of this tape on a TDK SA90. I wish I knew who the original taper is, but let me just send a hearty thank you to all the tapers. You are a wonderful tribe! and you have my undying respect and gratitude.
February 18, 2017 - 5:28am

#790

Syracuse78

Joined:
July 15, 2010

Re: Cost of Box

I haven't read all the responses, but see that (not surprisingly) the subject of the cost of the box and whether it is "fair" has come up. My impression from what I've read in the past and from Dave's talk is that they had to buy the masters from whomever had them. If that is the case, and especially with all the hype, er interest in, the Cornell show, that price tag, with years of lawyers wrangling, could have been pretty substantial. I'm not sure if that has been mentioned here or even if it's true.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

CLICK HERE FOR THE
ALL MUSIC EDITION

SOLD OUT

What's Inside:

Four Complete Shows on 11 discs
• 5/5/77 Veterans Memorial Coliseum: New Haven, CT
• 5/7/77 Boston Garden: Boston, MA
• 5/8/77 Barton Hall, Cornell University: Ithaca, NY
• 5/9/77 Buffalo Memorial Auditorium: Buffalo, NY
• Sourced from the Betty Boards, transfered by Plangent Processes
• Mastered in HDCD by Jeffrey Norman
• Artwork by Grammy-winning graphic artist Masaki Koike
• The unreleased book Cornell ‘77: The Music, The Myth And The Magnificence Of The Grateful Dead’s Concert At Barton Hall by Peter Conners, published by Cornell University Press
• In-depth essay by noted Dead scholar Nicholas Meriwether
• Producer's Note by David Lemieux
• Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 15,000
• Release Date: May 5, 2017

WHAT DEAD HEADS HAVE BEEN SAYING ABOUT...

NEW HAVEN 5/5/77
"Here is a prime example of the saying ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts’ … It’s called synergy and the Dead wrote the book on it.”

BOSTON 5/7/77
“The music they laid down brought me places I had not been before.”

CORNELL 5/8/77
“...the single best rock performance anywhere, anytime, by anyone.”

“There was just some kind of magical connection this night between the band members and the band and the audience - some texture, or some type of cosmic or celestial force is in the room.”

"This show is, was, and always will be Mecca.”

BUFFALO 5/9/77
"...an awesome display of the Dead’s captivating power"

If you've been following this site for quite some time, then you will know we are often flush with hyperbole when it comes to our releases. We can't help it, really - for we, like you, are Grateful Dead fans above all else. Just like you, we've spent countless hours debating the merits of show over show, year over year. We've kept a watchful eye on your wish-lists and carefully considered how to make - excuse the cliché - your dreams come true. And once we've made our commitments, we are steadfast in our determination to conjure up those dreams fully-formed and nearly perfect. Sometimes these heights cannot be reached without physical and cosmic elements aligning, and that, dear friends, is why it has taken so long for us to bring you THE ONE and the epic shows that surrounded it. No need for even the slightest embellishment here, 5/8/77 Barton Hall, Cornell University: Ithaca, NY, has for decades, been THE resounding favorite; you've said it yourselves - the "holy grail" of Grateful Dead shows. Thanks to the passion and perseverance of Dead Heads like you, we are beyond pleased to finally be able to present this show and its brethren, the fabled four of Spring '77, in sonically pristine condition.

Limited to 15,000 individually numbered copies, MAY 1977: GET SHOWN THE LIGHT is a collection of what is unanimously believed to be the most sought-after previously unreleased complete shows the Grateful Dead ever played. Collected, traded, and debated for decades, "the beloved Golden Trinity" of Boston, Ithaca, and Buffalo, along with their New Haven prelude, have inspired fans to "get on the bus," converted critics, and even garnered national attention (Cornell was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry). But until now, you've never really heard them quite like this!

The Dead is in the details... how serendipitous is it that the notorious Betty Boards were returned to the archive just in time for the 40th anniversaries of these shows? Lovingly sourced from these well-reputed recordings, we invite you to experience four utopian shows just like they happened, to "be inside the music" as engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson intended. Whether you listen to each night on its own or imbibe the whole lot at once, we suspect you'll hear why every note mattered. Much like we were, you will be hard-pressed to determine which of these fine documents - will it be the understated but nuanced New Haven, Boston's festive fantasy vibes, the monumental catharsis of Ithaca, or Buffalo’s dreamy exuberance - is truly "the best." Does it really matter? We think not.

Due May 5th, we anticipate that this revelatory boxed set will sell out. Your best bet is to pre-order it now, then sit back, relax, and enjoy all the exclusive content we'll be rolling out over the next few weeks.

Looking for something a little more byte-sized? The collection will also be available for HD digital download in FLAC and ALAC, exclusively at dead.net, on release day.

wow

Even though we all knew it was coming, just seeing it here gives me goose bumps! Can't wait...

Ordered

Yes indeed, my copy is ordered. Oh happy day!!

Bingo!!

....same artist as the first 1977 box. Neat!....

Order Processed

A very big day in modern Grateful Dead history. Way to go guys.. this place is going to go nuts.

Another Sucker on the Vine...

First off, these are truly great shows. If you are one of the few folks here debating whether or not the quality of all four shows stands up to the price tag, I will say that YES, they are that good. That being said, I would hazard to guess that most of us who frequent this site have had great sounding recordings of these shows for many years. Is it worth ponying up $154 to have the artwork, the book, and Normanized versions of these shows? Well,... I didn't really hesitate. Besides, its a credit card, not real money, right? Would I have liked some other shows released as a box? Sure. Will I enjoy the hell out of this set. I have been for years :) Peace

BAM

so nice. very happy. Sixtus F that. I'm GIDDY!!!!

Confirmed

Scooped this one up quick. Now we all just have to wait for May. Unzipping the digital single now...

Oh Yeah

couldn't get my credit card out quick enough would love to know what the other 350 reels contain

I'm in

New Haven was my second show...3rd row center. That second set is burnt into my brain. First show was Palladium on 5/01. My original Cornell cassette is spliced with scotch tape, so this should be a fine upgrade.

Sweet

A grateful dead letter day. Thanks Dave.

The one everybody has been waiting for

Personally I think Buffalo is the best show of the run. Cornell's popularity is a result of being in early wide circulation as a well recorded show. "Best show ever" status could be applied to many performances throughout their 30 year career, but there's no doubt that Cornell is a good one. One of the earliest soundboard bootlegs in my collection from when I first started collecting tapes in the late-'80's. As a four show release, this is a little pricey though.

Cross posted from DaP 21

Don't want anyone getting frustrated trying to order this, so in case anyone else has this issue, here's a note I posted on the 21 board: Tip for anyone ordering online - I have had problems in the past ordering where the site shows an order in my cart at first, but then shows empty when I click to get to the checkout page. I think I remember other people mentioning a problem like this on previous orders too. That happened to me when using "never" allow third party cookies in Firefox. Changing that setting to "always" allow third party cookies took me to a proper checkout page. So anyone having problems with checkout may want to try setting cookies to allow all. Thanks, Dave and Company!

Knew this would be the box this year

40th anniversary, Betty Boards back, inevitable. Cornell was my first DAT back in '93. I'd had a couple really dreadful sounding tapes I'd received from friends over the years and a few insanely expensive bootleg CDs of some recent shows I'd picked up; "European imports", finally figured I should just start trading, bought a Tascam DA88, found a dude offering to trade for blanks and postage and a week later got a package with a tape saying "play this first", it was like a blind man seeing for the first time! Don't know what took me so long, I'd been seeing as many shows as I could manage since '87. Good times.

YABADABDOO!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got off the phone with Customer Service as I had difficulty on website. e-mail confirmation sent!! THANK YOU DAVE!! I haven't listened to these shows ever, so I am really excited!!

So awesome

I heard a rumor and then it got confirmed :) Then I guessed on my fan site http://gratefulseconds.blogspot.com/2017/01/rumor-grateful-dead-acquire…

OMG

You've never heard Cornell? Unless you've just recently got on the bus, that's a rarity.

Buffalo is incredible

Goosebumps! 80S fan you said it!

This is going to be the hottest box yet. Sure we have archive and our old maxell XLIIs, but his is going to be something altogether else... I will be ordering the box and the vinyl!! Sick Sick Sick! I guess I need to start eating beans and rice now.

Confirmed!

Need I say more?

Twice as nice

Sure, I have nice-sounding recordings of all these shows, there's no way I can't get this. Pre-order done. Now, I will forget all about this until some time in early May when I'll get this set in the mail and it will make my day.

5/9

Spacebrother - Always loved 5/9 and my copy (while decent) is probably nothing compared to what the official release will sound like. So excited for this box.

I have to get this off my chest...

I have always preferred Buffalo to Cornell. There.. I said it. Glad we are getting the whole lot at once. Happy day, I'm giddy too.

Once again, encountering

Once again, encountering difficulties ordering this product. What the ever loving fuck is wrong with this place?

Yeah baby

DONE! So glad I checked in this morning.

The site just crashed!

It was just down for about 20 minutes. They must be getting hammered!

Cart

Cart says 8, I just want one, then when I go to cart, it says it's empty. FFS, what is happening???

MAY 77

YES YES YES PRE ORDERED HAPPY HAPPY THURSDAY

Got my copy ordered

Now theres nothing left to do but smile smile smile... and listen to this Scarlet>Fire digital download over and over again

Wowie, wowie, wowie zowie!!

I never thought I'd see the day. Thank you, Dave, Rob, Dead, Mark, Rhino, et al.

I think it is funny that

my order confirmation is in the email box marked 1:20 PM CST and the announcement email is marked 1:54 PM CST!

Got my copy ordered

Now theres nothing left to do but smile smile smile... and listen to this Scarlet>Fire digital download over and over again

May '77

Has it really been 40 years?!?!?!? Got my pre-order in, this box will be amazing and will nicely complement the earlier May '77 release (5/11-5/17).

I think we broke something!

Looks like their might be a little bit of excitement for this release. The site just crashed out like crazy. I have my order page all filled out. I think I will wait a little bit before I check out so they can work out the kinks. Don't want to be charged 25 times or not receive a confirmation. Always some weirdness to work out after such a barrage of activity. Well this is the one I have been waiting for! Very excited to see this run finally being released. A very grateful day indeed!

In.

Confirmed. Finally, an official 5-5-77 ,my birthday show with a standalone St. Stephen. My given name minus the St. :) Happy day Dead friends!

Can't order

Site keeps crashing - managed one time to get as far as putting in my address details and then it crashed - back to the start again but won't move from the initial page! Why is ordering from here always such a problem!

Thank you

Thank you Betty, Dave, Rhino...and the band. It's a good day.

OMG...

Take my money already!!!! I can't get this site to cooperate with the placing of my order!

CAN'T ORDER - KEEPS CRASHING!!!!

Dang dead.net- why does this happen way too much!!!

CAN'T ORDER - KEEPS CRASHING!!!!

Dang dead.net- why does this happen way too much!!!

Buffalo!

I have to say, I have always preferred this show to the night before it. I cannot wait to hear Jerry's jam during TMNS, finally, in perfect sound quality! The splice of the listenable audience source, during the tape flip of the soundboard has always been one of those slightly cringing moments, during an amazing jam! Its there, too, on the Hunter Seamons matrix. Again, the patch, to me has always been listenable, but i have been waiting for this gem given its proper treatment, and official release for many, many, years! The help/slip/frank opener is my favorite, of all time! And the wonderfully beautiful Comes a Time, is pure bliss! Just an all out amazing concert! The rest of the box, is the absolute goods, no doubt! I cannot wait! Thank you to all involved! Now if i can just get my order to go through!!!

081227935153